As he sat down, Reid noticed the nameplate of the man in front of him.
'Xian Zheng… is it?'
Truthfully, when it came to dealing with China, there were many things he didn't fully understand.
After all, the Marvel universe was ultimately a world where the United States served as the main stage. Due to that, his knowledge of this country was limited, and he couldn't plan ahead as easily as he did in America.
Across from him, Xian Zheng, the head of S.P.E.A.R., showed a complicated expression. He knew perfectly why Reid had come. It was to expand Vought's superhero business into their nation.
But this was something completely unprecedented for them.
It was only 2001. They were still preparing to join the World Trade Organization and open their markets to the world. At this stage, aside from population size and potential, they couldn't compare to the other four permanent members of the Security Council.
Even joining the WTO required caution, to avoid foreign capital overwhelming the domestic market. So how could they casually allow a company like Vought, with its superhero business, to enter?
"Could you explain in detail?"
Despite his concerns, Zheng didn't reject the proposal outright.
Caution was necessary. It meant responsibility to the nation and its people. But they couldn't afford to be timid. Hesitation would only lead to falling behind again, and their country would not repeat the mistakes of the past.
At the same time, his attitude toward Reid remained respectful.
Even though the man claimed he was just Lex Luthor's assistant, that line only fooled those who didn't matter. All the major leaders and tycoons were aware that Reid was not just an assistant or butler. He was Luthor's partner.
"Of course." Reid nodded calmly and began, "I believe your government has thoroughly investigated Vought's operational model. For every superhero we launch, we provide full documentation, detailed assessments of their abilities, and comprehensive countermeasures. We ensure those chosen to become heroes will never abuse their power to harm society…"
He spoke with precision, laying out Vought's system of control.
Zheng had to admit, their methods were far superior to what S.P.E.A.R. had in place. The system being described was a genuine framework, something that could even serve as inspiration for them.
But that wasn't the answer he needed.
He leaned forward slightly and said again, "I appreciate your explanation. We're well aware of Vought's approach to managing superheroes. It's indeed the most complete system so far. We have no objections to that. But the real question we want answered is…"
He drew in a deep breath.
Everyone understood what Vought had done in the U.S. Heroes had risen to positions of influence, standing alongside elected officials as representatives of the people. Which meant more and more of the population stood behind the company.
With that support, LexCorp gradually gained control over nearly every aspect of America.
Meanwhile, Britain, France, and Germany didn't object to Vought entering their borders. They weren't fools. On the contrary, their politicians and industrialists were shrewd.
The rise of superheroes brought new industries and unprecedented unity among citizens. Allowing Vought in carried the risk of domination, yes, but the benefits were massive. Those countries would never unite to keep the company out.
But China didn't want Vought to use superheroes as a tool to expand its influence within their borders. That was also Zheng's stance. Their nation could not fall under the grip of a private corporation.
Against powerful men like Reid and Luthor, they knew arrogance or complacency could destroy everything their predecessors had built.
"Mr. Pennyworth, what we want to know is this: if Vought enters our country, through what channel will superheroes be selected?"
The moment Zheng asked, Reid figured out what the man was thinking and replied, "Director Zheng. If you want, Vought's selection process for superheroes will be done in full cooperation with your official agencies. You would choose the candidates. And we would simply present them to the world as heroes who protect it."
This time, Zheng showed no change in expression, but inside he let out a breath of relief.
China was too weak. If they treated the United States as an enemy and set aside the influence of LexCorp, they could still rely on the power of nuclear weapons as a tactical threat.
But when facing LexCorp, a force clearly beyond worldly limits, with its massive orbital station dominating almost all usable space above America, the odds were even lower. Because the U.S. couldn't abandon its people. But for LexCorp, as long as Reid and Luthor were alive, they could strike back with everything they had.
So, reaching an agreement was the best possible outcome.
After securing what he wanted most, the authority to select superheroes, Zheng quickly sealed the deal.
* * *
By the time Reid and Zheng stepped out of the conference room, a piece of land in the capital had already been designated for Vought. All the documents they would need in the future were prepared in advance.
Looking toward the sky, Reid muttered, "They moved pretty fast,"
"Mr. Pennyworth? What did you say?"
Zheng noticed his quiet murmur but couldn't catch the words, which left him curious.
"It's nothing important, Director Zheng. I was just wondering… what do you think the future will look like?"
The unexpected philosophical question caught Zheng off guard. After a brief pause, he slowly said, "I… honestly don't know. Maybe the higher-ups have their plans, but for me, I just want my country to prosper and thrive."
"That dream of yours… I'll make it happen."
"Huh?" The response left Zheng unsettled. Never in his life had he imagined an American saying they wanted to help his nation flourish.
Reid simply chuckled. "Don't be nervous. In my eyes, there is only one future."
For some reason, a chill ran through Zheng's spine, as if Reid was about to say something ominous.
But all he did was raise a finger.
"This one future."
In that instant, Zheng understood. Then fear gripped him like a vice. He recognized what that single finger meant. And he knew how terrifying the future Reid spoke of could be.
"Impossible. Even if you act personally… you still…"
He admitted the man before him was strong. An unbreakable body, flight faster than the eye could follow, psychic strength that surpassed even Charles Xavier. These powers stacked together made him a monster without a clear weakness.
But some things couldn't be achieved by strength alone.
"Alexander the Great conquered the world, but after his death, the empire he built collapsed. Genghis Khan ravaged Europe like a scourge, yet in the end, his dynasty split into the four khanates… Wait. Don't tell me…"
He listed examples, then froze as a terrible thought struck him, and his face grew even paler.
He realized the greatest difference between Reid and those men.
Alexander and Genghis were just human. But Reid? Though there was no precise information yet, with such overwhelming abilities, there was no way someone like him would live just a hundred years.
"Hahaha!"
Reid couldn't help laughing at the look on Zheng's face. After the laughter faded, he pointed to himself.
"Director Zheng, do I look like the devil to you?"
"Uh…"
He wanted to say yes, but the words stuck in his throat. He didn't dare anger him.
Reid didn't mind. He was used to it by now. He rarely showed himself openly, staying behind the curtain, but people's thoughts and opinions reached him through identities like Batman, Luthor, and Aquaman.
He knew that in this world, no one, except perhaps people like Doom, could truly understand him.
His soul came from another world. He didn't belong to any nation. He carried no labels. He didn't view anyone on this planet differently. He had no personal bias toward anything.
If there had to be someone to unite Earth without war, then there was only…
"Only me. If there's anyone who can accomplish such greatness, it can only be me!"
Reid declared his vision with pride, right in front of Xian Zheng and the others.
He wasn't insane. He wasn't a monster. He was just a man who wanted to leave his mark on this world.
The next second, a dazzling light shone from his chest. Several cards he had exchanged long ago responded to the will in his words and floated into the air on their own.
"Yes. It's time."
Ten years. He had lived carefully in this world for ten long years.
Now, it was time to move forward.
Those cards rising into the sky… they were the missing members of the Justice League.
And not just the Justice League…
**
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